| Object type: | Planetary Nebula |
|---|---|
| Distance from Earth: | 4,000 light years 1200 parsecs |
| Distance across Nebula: | 10 Astronomical Units |
The Ring Nebula is a planetary nebula resembling a torus or ring. M57 is a fine object visible in small telescopes, but a large scope is needed to glimpse its 13th magnitude central star which is a white dwarf. The age of the nebula (and thus the death of the central star) is estimated at 5500 years.